§ 3. Mr. Storeyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of the full amount of coal required to enable merchants to supply 30 cwt. per household has been supplied to coal merchants for the six months November, 1949, to April, 1950.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware, 30 cwt. of coal is not a ration which is guaranteed to the householder in the North during the winter, but is the limit up to which he may buy if the necessary supplies are available. During the six months November, 1949, to April, 1950, an average of 25.7 cwt. of coal was delivered to householders in the North. This was about the same as in the corresponding period a year ago. In addition, coke, ovoids and some other supplementary fuels have, this year, been freely available in most areas.
§ 7. Mr. Blackburnasked the Minister of Fuel and Power in view of widespread complaints in the Northfield, Wedley Castle and Selly Oak areas of Birmingham, what steps he is taking to ensure a 104W better supply of coal to housewives in those areas.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I can.